Arsenal: Eight players who should leave the club this summer

A top four finish seemed unlikely after the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham on 3rd March but in a typical end of season flourish a 16th consecutive entry into the Champions' League was secured.

This season's run to the top four was based on resilience and discipline - qualities rarely associated with the free flowing and airy-fairy football of Wenger's wards.

There is also speculation of abundance in the coffers at the club, with Arsene Wenger willing to spend £70 million on much needed reinforcements. While that happens there is also need to trim the squad of unwanted players - important, if not to free up the subs bench than to loosen the wage structure.

Of all the expected and/or hoped departures, Andrey Arshavin and Sebastien Squillaci are the most certain to leave as their contracts are finally over. For the former, it is with wistfulness that the fans will watch depart, for the Russian ace brought with him all the promise of a much-needed drive and brilliance that graced the Euro 2008 quarter finals.

Alas, the promise was fulfilled very rarely - a four goal blitz at Anfield the stand out memory of his time with the Gunners. He was used sparingly by Arsene Wenger - was it because of the manager’s preference of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, both of whom didn't fulfil their contracts, that Arshavin warmed the benches more than being deployed in a starting and starring role.

The French defender was never expected to reach the heights of the Russian; even then his non-performance has been surprising considering Wenger's reputation in the transfer market. Squillaci has been one of his worst signings.

While these two players are sure to depart, the likes of Denilson, Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh, Andre Santos, Park Chu-Young and Johan Djourou - all of whom have spent all or most of the past season on loan - are either surplus to requirement or have not proved to be good enough.

Many of them are on inflated wages which they will not command in their next assignments - for primarily this reason, they will take some getting rid of.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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